APT GUIDELINES FOR BUYING THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE

In the market, different types of toothpaste are available nowadays. So, it will be utterly perplexing to choose the right one that suits your teeth. Some types of toothpaste consist of ingredients which can strengthen teeth enamel, some are capable of preventing tooth decay, whereas some others strengthen gums, and make teeth whiter. From the world of vast arrays of toothpaste, the selection of apt toothpaste relies mainly on your precise need, and also the constituents used to formulate the respective toothpaste.

Basic ingredients of toothpaste

In general, toothpaste is available in powder, paste, or gel form. In spite of the several varieties of toothpaste available in the market, most of them are manufactured with the same basic constituents. They are as follows-

Abrasives: Components of starch such as calcium carbonates and silicates are the key constituents generally used to remove plaque, debris, bio-films, and stains from the teeth surface. The proportion of abrasives is more in powder form, and it can be seen in some whitening toothpaste as well. Regular use of such tooth paste with strong abrasives can even result in the slow destruction of tooth enamel.

Humectants: These ingredients are generally observed in paste as well as gels. Nowadays, glycerol is used as humectants in toothpaste and gel. This constituent has the quality to prevent the toothpaste as well as gel from drying.

Thickeners: Gums or viscous substance present in some seaweed is used as thickening agents both in toothpaste and gel. This substance can also maintain the texture of the toothpaste.

Detergent: In toothpaste, detergent is used to generate lather while brushing.  Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is used as detergent in almost all toothpaste.

Flavoring agents: Artificial sweeteners, flavor of lemon, mint, and even bubblegum for kids are used as flavoring agents in toothpaste to bring forth a superior fantastic taste.

Different types of toothpaste

Anti-Plaque Toothpaste: This toothpaste contains ingredients that help to fight the building up of plaque on the teeth surface. Daily brushing with this toothpaste will reduce the effect of bacteria on teeth and their surrounding tissues, and thus, minimizes the possibilities of arising various gum diseases. If plaque is permitted to remain on the tooth surface for a longer duration, it becomes hard and gets converted into tarter. In anti-plaque toothpaste, ingredients such as Zinc citrate, triclosan, Pyrophosphates, antibiotics, and antifungal agents are added to kill germs and bacteria.

Toothpaste containing Fluoride: Fluoride is the most significant ingredient to be considered while selecting toothpaste. It supports and strengthens the fragile regions of the teeth and uncovered roots. Fluoride is a natural mineral commonly used in toothpaste to avert tooth decay. Thus, by using fluoride toothpaste you can lessen the chances of tooth decay, which in turn enhances the strength of the teeth.

Desensitizing toothpaste: In general, sensitive teeth are vulnerable to hot, cold, or sour taste. Regular use of desensitizing toothpaste will help to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth. This toothpaste contains constituents such as strontium chloride, or potassium nitrate which obstructs the dentinal tubule, thus preventing the transmission of sensation from the surface of the teeth to their nerves. In this way, the sensitivity of the teeth is controlled.

Whitening Toothpaste: This toothpaste is said to have the quality to whiten the teeth. It consists of an improved quantity of abrasives as well as detergents. In addition, a bleaching agent known as carbamide peroxide is also present in this toothpaste, which helps to remove stains, and enhances the color of the teeth. But, the toothpaste cannot change the color of the underlying dentine. Toothpaste having teeth whitening ingredients should be used carefully as per the advice of a professional cosmetic dentist.

Natural or Herbal Toothpaste:  For those who are not comfortable with toothpaste containing harsh chemicals, natural toothpaste can be a better alternative. This type of toothpaste is prepared from herbal extracts and other naturally available ingredients. Even though the efficacy of this type of toothpaste has not been clinically proven, the people who are allergic to chemical toothpaste have started using natural toothpaste to a great extent.

Toothpaste for Kids: Toothpaste meant for kids typically contains only a minimal quantity of fluoride or no fluoride at all. This type of toothpaste also contains very little abrasive, since the teeth of children are constituted with much less mineral content than those of adults. Likewise, Children’s toothpaste contains enticing flavors which tempt them to brush their teeth without any reluctance.

Smokers Toothpaste: Smoker’s toothpaste is particularly formulated for those who smoke tobacco. The teeth of smokers will be easily stained as a result of the repeated arrival of tobacco smoke into their mouth. Progressively, their teeth will be discolored with yellowish-brown patches. Toothpaste for smokers contains strong abrasives that assist to remove stains from teeth, and also refreshes the breath.

Tips for choosing the best toothpaste

Here are some vital tips which help you choose the best toothpaste.

Toothpaste with approval: When you are in need of ideal toothpaste, choose the one that has earned an approval from any dental association or dental council. The toothpaste which secured this merit has been assessed for effectiveness and safety by an independent review board of reputed scientific experts. All toothpastes with an approval seal may contain fluoride, the most significant ingredient in any toothpaste.

Toothpaste containing unsafe chemicals: Beware of toothpaste containing harmful chemical substances like diethylene glycol. So, before deciding to buy toothpaste, you may evaluate the constituents used to prepare the toothpaste, and make sure that the product contains no unsafe substances.

Consider your needs and flavor: Choosing the best toothpaste is a matter of preference and personal choice. If you are an admirer of natural products, you can opt for toothpaste containing only natural ingredients. If you want to encourage good oral hygiene habits among your children, choose fruit-flavored toothpastes for enticing them to brush without any unwillingness. Some people are very enthusiastic to retain whiteness to their teeth with whitening toothpastes. Others find happiness in brushing their teeth with toothpaste containing baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. So, give prime importance to your needs and flavor.

Try different toothpaste: If you don’t have any major issues with your teeth, and don’t know which toothpaste is to be used, try with different ordinary toothpaste having varying combinations, and then find out the most appropriate one.

Conclusion

As there are so many toothpaste brands available in the market, choosing the right one as per your requirement will be absolutely confusing. In such a situation, the aforementioned guidelines will help you to a great extent. Nowadays, there is toothpaste for almost all common types of dental problems. Remember to make sure that the toothpaste you intend to buy can meet your specific needs. However, if you have any kind of dental problems, it is better to consult your dental doctor for advice, and do so accordingly. Keep these tips in mind when you purchase the toothpaste of your choice.